The Best Way To Clean Your Non-Stick Griddle Pan

Cleaning a non-stick griddle pan can be challenging, but it's important to do it right to ensure the pan stays in good condition for years to come. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you clean your non-stick griddle pan effectively:

- Allow the griddle to cool down completely before cleaning.

- Pour out any grease into a container or the trash, avoiding pouring it down the drain as it can cause clogs.

- Use baking powder or mild dish soap to clean the pan. Baking powder is mildly abrasive and effective at removing grease, grime, and burnt-on residue.

- Add hot water to the pan and use a brush with nylon bristles to mix the baking powder or soap, creating a toothpaste-like consistency.

- Scrub the pan gently in circular motions, covering all parts of the pan and griddles. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent scratching the non-stick surface.

- Rinse the pan in the sink and repeat scrubbing if necessary. Leaving food debris on the pan can be detrimental.

- Apply a thin coat of olive oil to the pan using a soft microfiber cloth or kitchen rag. This helps to re-season the pan and prolong its lifespan.

- Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel, ensuring no oil is dripping from the pan.

- Allow the pan to air dry completely before storing it to prevent rusting.

- When storing, place a dry dish towel or washcloth between the pan and other cookware to prevent scratching.

Additionally, there are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning and maintaining a non-stick griddle pan:

- Avoid using abrasive and metal cleaning pads, such as steel wool, plastic scouring pads, and scouring sponge brushes, as they can remove the non-stick coating.

- Use oil sparingly when cooking. While non-stick pans are designed to be used without oil, a small amount can help maintain the non-stick coating for longer.

- Consider using vinegar to remove tough oil layers. Fill the pan with water soon after cooking if you can't clean it right away to prevent grease and food residue from drying on.

- Avoid using cooking sprays, as they can leave residue that is difficult to remove.

- Try not to cook at high heat frequently, as it can cause discolouration and stains.

Let the pan cool down

Allowing your non-stick griddle pan to cool down before cleaning is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps prevent thermal shock, which can cause the pan to crack or warp. By letting the pan cool down naturally, you avoid exposing it to rapid temperature changes that could damage the surface.

Secondly, waiting for the pan to cool down makes cleaning easier. Once the pan has cooled, you can add lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap. Letting the pan soak for 5 to 10 minutes will help loosen any burnt-on food or grease, making it easier to scrub away without applying too much pressure. This gentle approach is essential for non-stick pans to avoid scratching or damaging the coating.

Additionally, cleaning a hot pan can be dangerous. By letting the pan cool down, you eliminate the risk of accidentally burning yourself during the cleaning process. It's important to prioritize safety in the kitchen, and allowing the pan to cool down is a simple way to do that.

Finally, some cleaning methods for non-stick griddle pans involve using certain substances like baking soda or vinegar, which are most effective when the pan is cool. For example, you can create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the burnt areas, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. This method is more effective when the pan is cool because it gives the baking soda time to work on breaking down the burnt residue.

Use lukewarm water and dish soap

To clean a non-stick griddle pan, it's important to let the pan cool down completely before cleaning it. This is because a sudden change in temperature can cause the griddle to crack or warp due to thermal shock.

Once the pan has cooled down, add some lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap to the cooking surface. Leave the soap and water to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This will help to loosen any burnt-on food. After this, scrub the surface with a silicone scrubber or a brush with nylon bristles. The burnt-on food should now be easy to remove.

It's important to avoid using anything too abrasive when cleaning a non-stick griddle pan, as this can scratch or damage the surface. Instead, opt for soft sponges or cloths. It's also important to avoid using metal utensils on a non-stick griddle, as these can damage the surface.

Use a silicone scrubber

To clean a non-stick griddle pan, it is recommended to use a silicone scrubber. This is because non-stick griddles have a coating that can be easily damaged.

Firstly, let the griddle cool down completely before cleaning it. Then, add lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap to the cooking surface. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

After that, use a silicone scrubber to remove the burnt food. The food should come off without much effort. If there are still stubborn grease stains, use a silicone scrubber or sponge to remove them.

Once you have removed the excess bits of burnt food, use dish soap to remove all traces of oil and grease. Rinse the griddle thoroughly under running water and ensure that all soapy residue is removed.

Finally, use a cotton kitchen towel to dry the pan completely before storing it.

Rinse and dry the pan

Rinsing and drying your non-stick griddle pan is an important step in the cleaning process. After scrubbing your pan with a brush, you should rinse it in the sink to remove any remaining food debris or grease. Leaving food debris on the pan can damage it. If you notice that your pan is still greasy or has food stuck to it, you may need to repeat the scrubbing process.

Once you are satisfied that your pan is clean, it is important to dry it thoroughly before storing it. Leaving water on the pan can cause rusting. Air drying is a good option; simply leave the pan out in the open for an hour or two. If you are in a hurry, you can use paper towels or a cloth to dry the pan, but make sure to get rid of all the water.

Apply olive oil to the pan

To keep your non-stick griddle pan in good condition, it's important to apply a thin layer of olive oil to its surface after cleaning. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this effectively:

Allow your griddle pan to cool completely before applying olive oil. It's important to avoid drastic temperature changes as they can damage the non-stick coating.

Take a teaspoon or tablespoon of olive oil, depending on the size of your griddle pan. Use a kitchen rag or microfiber cloth to apply the oil evenly across the cooking surface. Ensure that you use a limited amount of oil; a thin layer is all that's needed.

After applying the olive oil, use paper towels or a clean cloth to wipe away any excess. This step is crucial to prevent a sticky or greasy feeling on the pan's surface.

By applying olive oil, you're creating a protective barrier on the non-stick coating. This helps to prevent scratches, enhance the lifespan of your griddle pan, and maintain its effectiveness in preventing food from sticking.

It's worth noting that olive oil is not the only option for seasoning your pan. Other types of cooking oils, such as vegetable oil, can also be used. However, olive oil is a good choice due to its accessibility and ability to protect the non-stick surface.

Remember, after applying olive oil and before storing your griddle pan, ensure that it is completely dry. Proper drying and the application of oil will help keep your pan moisture-free and in optimal condition for future use.

Frequently asked questions